Creative Loop has donated over 600 masks

By Catherine Sweeney, catherine.sweeney@pioneergroup.com

Published
5:02 pm EDT, Thursday, April 30, 2020

Pam and Leif Duddles are the owners of Creative Loop. While their store is closed to in-person customers, they have been using the fabric they sell to help produce face masks for anyone who needs one. (Pioneer photo/Catherine Sweeney)

Pam and Leif Duddles are the owners of Creative Loop. While their store is closed to in-person customers, they have been using the fabric they sell to help produce face masks for anyone who needs one. (Pioneer

Pam and Leif Duddles are the owners of Creative Loop. While their store is closed to in-person customers, they have been using the fabric they sell to help produce face masks for anyone who needs one. (Pioneer photo/Catherine Sweeney)

Pam and Leif Duddles are the owners of Creative Loop. While their store is closed to in-person customers, they have been using the fabric they sell to help produce face masks for anyone who needs one. (Pioneer

During this unprecedented time, with the community taking unusual steps to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, many are going above and beyond to help their friends and neighbors. In a series called "Heroes Unmasked," The Pioneer will be featuring local people, nominated by their peers, who are making a difference in their community.

BIG RAPIDS — With Creative Loop closed to in-person customers, business owner Pam Duddles has been using the quilt store's fabric to create masks for those in need.

"I started out with those square masks and they were awful," Duddles said.

However, with the help of a template from fellow quilter Michele Harvey and other friends quickly becoming involved, the group has grown and has now produced more than 600 high-quality masks for those in need.

"I work in healthcare (Mercy Health) and I know healthcare people will get access first, but we won't," Duddles said. "You can't walk into the store and buy a mask right now."

The quilting group said they have been working around the clock to make masks, working both individually from their homes as well as at the quilt shop.

So far, masks have been donated to hospitals, daycare centers, nursing homes, restaurants and to various other locals who are in need of them.

While noting the seriousness behind why the masks are being made, the quilters also said it has been a relief to have a distraction from all the negativity and put their minds into doing something positive for others.

"It saves my sanity," Dawn Montague, one of the quilters, said.

Having began the process of mask-making in March, the group of quilters said they have not only worked to make a lot of masks, but have improved the mask quality as well.

"We discovered the cotton masks aren't enough," Duddles said, noting they began using a thicker woven fabric for extra protection. "I've got to make something at least equivalent to the surgical mask that you can wash without falling apart."

While the quilting group works to produce masks for those who need them, Duddles also has been creating Heroic Heart totes. These tote bags may be purchased from Creative Loop and then given to essential workers.

"I don't know of another small business in the community that has done as much as this one," Deb DeBruyn, who has been helping with the masks, said.

Those wanting to support the cause can purchase fabric online at creative-loop.net. The purchase of fabric helps the business stay open while also contributing to the production of new masks.

For more information about how to receive a mask, individuals may message the Creative Loop's Facebook page at "Creative Loop."